About Us

Perfect Hoof Wear was developed at the Institute of Applied Equine Podiatry by Farrier/Equine Podiatrist Keith “KC” La Pierre. A professional farrier for almost 40 years KC La Pierre's work in the early 80's involved primarily shoeing the Standardbred. These race horses frequently presented quarter cracks due to being asked to work over hard track surfaces. It was at that time that he was first introduced to casting as a means to treat quarter cracks. Casting served a purpose in immobilizing the hoof wall and quarter crack.

Jumping forward to 2003, Mr. La Pierre’s practice had evolved and with his partner, Dr. Robyn Lord the Institute of Applied Equine Podiatry was founded. The Institute is a school dedicated to promoting Applied Equine Podiatry. The foundational theories of Applied Equine Podiatry dictate that the equine foot must be allowed to distort three dimensionally. With a commitment to this premise a means by which to treat instability in the equine foot was sought.  

In 2006 the Institute was approached by an equine cast manufacturer. It was stated earlier that KC La Pierre had used casting materials in the past to immobilize quarter cracks and to treat other hoof deficits, but now the desire was to promote controlled distortion not to immobilize. With this new goal in mind conventional casting material were put to the test. After applying hundreds of the fiberglass and fiberglass composite cast it was determined that alterations to those products would have to be made if controlled distortion was to be achieved. In other words, conventional equine cast were simply too rigid. Lack of flexibility was only one property that needed to be addressed, there were others. Conventional equine casting materials set up to quickly and produced a good amount of heat during the curing process. Fiberglass/fiberglass composite equine cast also have very poor wear characteristics. After lengthy discussions with the cast manufacturer it became apparent that the need to develop a whole new product was being presented.  The product that was developed is now known as the non-cast Perfect Hoof Wear Poly Wrap. 

Perfect Hoof Wear  supports foot function by supporting three-dimensional controlled distortion. We moved away from fiberglass and fiberglass composites, utilizing 100% polyester fabric. The material we use, when paired with a proprietary resin results in a flexible wrap that when cured closely mimics a hoof capsule's elastic potential. Our polyester resin impregnated fabric has better wear characteristics and cures at what we believe to be the ideal rate. You have about 4 minutes working time, as compared to less than 2 minutes with most other casting materials.

Once we were confident in the PHW we then set out  to develop a way to make application simpler. As our desire was to achieve controlled distortion in support of circulation and lymphatic function, we needed to develop a means to attach the wrap without hindering its flexibility, glues would not do. Glues alter the wraps flexibility characteristics. Glues are also expensive and difficult to apply, often requiring specialized guns and mixing  tips.

The development of the PHW anchoring system and impression pad resulted in a simpler, cleaner, more proficient and more economical means of attachment. The PHW anchoring system and PHW impression pad enhance the PHW’s ability to promote correct foot function. This system has been in use for well over 10 years and the results speak for themselves. We have sold tens of thousands of Perfect Hoof Wear the world over. 

We hope we can be of service to you and to the horses in your care. 

Do not hesitate to contact us with any inquiries that you may have.